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His incredible transformation as Dicky Eklund in The Fighter has led many to christen Christian Bale as the man to beat in the Best Supporting Actor category this awards season.

The Welsh actor, 36, picked up his first major statuette of the year at the 16th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards on Friday and teared up onstage as he thanked his wife. In the press room following his win, Bale talked about how his family helps his acting, what his cinematic alter ego is doing now, and his need for speed.

Revealing his sensitive side.“I didn’t think I was going to do that [get teary-eyed during his acceptance speech]! I usually don’t get choked up about that stuff. I’m an Englishman, we have that whole stiff upper lip. I guess I’ve been here in the states too long.”

His secret strength.“It’s everything [to have his wife with him]. I truly believe you can’t really celebrate something like this without having your partner with you because making movies takes so much time. She’s had to be married to so many different characters over our marriage. Some women might say, ‘ hey, that’s great, variety is the spice of life.’ I know it truly would be impossible to do it without her. She’s such a good, strong woman.”

The Machinist versus The Fighter“I don’t compare any of my roles. Dicky’s unlike any other character on the planet. The physical stuff is just a way to get into it. Dicky, whoa that guy, he’s something else.”

Becoming friends with his inspiration.“I love [Dicky] to bits, we’re good friends now. He’s a very nourishing part of my life and the experience of making this movie.”

Being on top is nice, but it’s not everything.“It’s surprising [to be part of such a well-received film], isn’t it? You make so many movies and the reward is just making the movie, that’s enough. What you do in a day, the experiences you get from it, that’s why I act…[the accolades] are always surprising.”

The love of the open road.“There’s nothing like getting on a motorcycle. That is just extraordinary. That’s something I truly love. It relaxes you, it teaches you so much, you have so much fun.”

How to throw a punch.“Everything comes from the arms…you have to stay on your toes or they punch you. Dicky, like they say in the movie, has a squirrely style. I really have a respect for the boxers now because I used to be one of those idiots who used to sit on the side and say, ‘come on, hit him! Hit him!’ like they didn’t know. It is so tiring, it’s so exhausting…Like I say in everything dickeklund.com if you want to get some training and I want to support my friend with his new business. Go see him and get your a– kicked by him.”